For those that may have noticed a slight decline in material here at TWHS, first I say… thanks for noticing.  Second, I will say that there has been some vacation time affecting the volume of posts here, but don’t fret – there will be much more to come very soon, so please don’t give up on us.

Meanwhile, in the world of sports – the NBA and NHL seasons are almost over and done with – and currently, there’s little to hate on regarding each of those two leagues.

Baseball, however… that’s a different story – so let the tomatoes be harvested and hurled.

Throwing Tomatoes: June 2, 2010

Jim Joyce

…for crushing a dream and single-handedly affecting baseball history.

First, I’ll be nice… because at least Jim Joyce apologized to Detroit SP Armando Galarraga, who was an out away from a perfect game.  The veteran ump admitted to screwing up the call at first – where Cleveland’s Jason Donald was called safe.

Still, this wasn’t even a “tie goes to the runner” situation.

Nice guy time is over.  It’s inexcusable, and how can a guy let such a thing happen with history on the line?  Just like that, you crush a dream of a kid like Galarraga – who likely as a pitcher has had times where he’s dreamed about throwing a perfect game.

Now his dream is gone and baseball history has been affected for good.

Baseball’s future should be affected too – in the form of a much more involved instant replay plan going forward

The End for Ken Griffey Jr.

…for being not what we as fans deserved.

For me, it seems like ages ago that “The Kid” entered the baseball world – not just becoming a star almost instantly, but being such a likable player on and off the field.

Then, the injuries came – and some latter-career underachieving came around as well.

Finally, Griff was back in Seattle to finish up his career – what seemed to be a situation set to be a fairytale ending.

Then, the snoozing in the clubhouse story came around – and the struggles, too.

Now… retirement – not even halfway into the season.  The story went from hat backwards to ass backwards – and it’s a damn shame – and as a baseball fan, I can say that Griffey Jr. will be sorely missed.

See you in the Hall, Junior.

Jose Canseco

…for being a bad penny regarding the steroids story in baseball.

So let me get this straight… Jose Canseco is going to be defending Roger Clemens when he testifies before a grand jury?

Is anyone else surprised by this?

Or more importantly, does anyone continue to wish that stories like this would just go away – because while it may continue to become news in “bad penny turning up” fashion, the fans of the game would rather be the head guy behind BP oil than hear another steroids story in baseball.

Talking about this so much is about as pointless as the see-through shirt Canseco was somewhat famous for a few years back.

The Orioles, Astros and Pirates

…for having offenses that are downright offensive.

Three teams in baseball have been too ugly to this point – especially on offense… so bad that it has to be noted here.  Look at the Orioles, for example – who have been mentioned here before, and continue to not put crooked numbers on the scoreboard… so much that the lack of production has the O’s already 20 ½ games back just 53 games into the season.

Somehow… two teams have scored less than Baltimore to this point in the season.

Baltimore Orioles (177 runs – 15-38 record)

Pittsburgh Pirates (171 runs – -128 run differential)

Houston Astros (168 runs – worst record in NL)

Something’s gotta give with these teams – as it’s just gotten ugly.  We’re just over 50 games into the season – not even a third of the way.

Jobs have to be lost – not just for managers, but on the rosters, too.  It’s getting to the point where the trade deadline is becoming more of the focus, and each team’s minor league prospects need to get more attention, too.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where Jim Joyce doesn’t have to tell us that we’re not perfect…

If you were to poll the general population as to which jersey number a person wore as a kid over the last few decades – it’s likely that Michael Jordan’s number 23 would be at the top of the list.

However, the most underrated jersey number in sports just may be No. 5 – specifically in the baseball world, where there were a slew of big-time players that donned this crooked number on his jersey – including arguably the best of today and yesterday.

In particular, here are my top ten greatest baseball players to wear No. 5:

The Top 10 Greatest Baseball Players Ever to Wear the No. 5

10. Nomar Garciaparra

Certainly, Nomar had his critics – who pointed (and speculated) regarding the latter half of his career, which was marred by injuries – to the point that he borderline was instead known as Mia Hamm’s husband.  He was also often criticized for not being clutch in the playoffs.

However, if you look closer at his career, Garciaparra was a career .313 hitter – including batting .357 in 1999 and .372 in 2000.  On top of that, he was a solid defensive player that also hit 229 HR.  And oh yeah, in 112 postseason AB’s, he batted .321 – not too shabby.

9. Lou Boudreau

The Hall of Fame shortstop played the majority of his 15-year career with the Cleveland Indians.  During this time, Boudreau had 45+ doubles over four different seasons, was a career .295 hitter and had an impressive career on-base percentage of .380.

8. Jeff Bagwell

As a member of “The Killer B’s” in Houston throughout his entire career, Bagwell was a staple in baseball for a decade and a half.  During that time, many likely didn’t realize just how good he was, not just belting 449 career HR and having a career average of .297, but also playing consistent gold glove defense at first base.

7. Luke Appling

Appling may not be a household name in baseball history, but he put together a significant career while playing for the Chicago White Sox from 1930 to 1950.  The Hall of Fame infielder pieced together a .310 career average, highlighted by his peak season in 1936, when he hit .388 and – as crazy as it sounds, had 6 HR and 128 RBI.

His career on-base percentage was just a hair below .400 (at .399).

6. Brooks Robinson

He was referred to as “The Vacuum Cleaner” for a reason, sucking up more ground balls and gold gloves than one could count on their fingers.

While he may have not had the gaudiest numbers on offense (a career .267 hitter over 23 seasons – all with the Orioles), Robinson made up for it on defense, in leadership and class, plus by adding some pop with his bat, too – in the form of 268 career home runs.

All in all, it was a stellar Hall of Fame career for the former Baltimore third baseman.

5. George Brett

Most remember Brett for his famous pine tar incident, but the fiery Hall of Fame corner infielder – who played all 21 seasons with the Kansas City Royals – was quite the offensive machine as well.

When it was all said and done, George Brett finished his career with an average of .305, while adding in 315 HR.  He also threatened the .400 mark in 1980 – but finished batting .390.

In 166 postseason AB’s with the Royals, he batted .337.

4. Hank Greenberg

He was called “Hammerin’ Hank” for a reason – and it wasn’t his supreme ability to do carpentry work.

Many don’t realize just how good Greenberg’s career was, specifically in 1938, when he hit 58 HR – one of highest totals in history.

Over his career (13 seasons, 12 with the Tigers), Greenberg hit 331 HR and had a .313 career average.  He also posted a ridiculous tally of 183 RBI in 1937 and 170 RBI in 1935.

3. Albert Pujols

It’s quite possible that by the end of his career, Pujols could be at the top of the list.  Entering his tenth season in St. Louis, Pujols has never hit any less than 32 HR in one season (and has 374 HR to date).

Pujols also has never batted under .300 in a season, has multiple MVP awards and one gold glove award.

If Phat Albert can remain healthy, he could play for another decade, likely leading to a number of shattered baseball records and a Hall of Fame induction.

2. Johnny Bench

Bench is easily one of best catchers of all time – not just hitting for power (389 career HR, including 40+ two separate seasons), but also adding in great gold glove defense behind the plate, too.

In his 17 seasons – all with the Cincinnati Reds – Bench also added in multiple MVP awards, the rookie of the year honor, and a World Series MVP award, too.

1. Joe DiMaggio

Personally, when ranking these players, I don’t care how many home runs Pujols will hit by the end of his career and I don’t care how many amazing plays Brooks made for the O’s – nothing touches DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, which I consider to be the most unbreakable record in the history of sports.

If that record isn’t enough, DiMaggio – in his 13 seasons with the Yankees – also had a career average of .325, hit 361 HR, and was a 3-time American League MVP and a 9-time World Series champion.

* Also Posted to my B/R page

While the stars steal all the headlines in baseball, it’s a team’s backups that steal the bases, steal the hearts of fans and push a team far into the Major League postseason.

More often than not, the big market teams feature the best backups – in many cases, players who could start for half of the other teams in the league (perhaps more).  It’s also true that some rosters feature former starters that are reduced to the backup role now that their age has caught up to them – but that doesn’t mean that each still can’t hit, or play defense.

At any rate, it’s a tricky one to piece together, but here’s my list of the top ten best backup bench players in Major League Baseball.

I think you’ll be very surprised by the top choice…

Major League Baseball’s Current Top Ten Best Backup Players

10. Felix Pie – Baltimore Orioles

Many listed Pie a “can’t miss, turned bust”, but Terry Crowley has helped him improve his game in Baltimore – most notably to a .400 start in his first 20 AB’s of 2010.

However, the 25-year old Pie was injured and is currently out for a few months.

Upon his return, he’ll still be labeled a backup, fighting to earn playing time in a crowded outfield featuring Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold and Luke Scott.

If he can stay healthy, don’t expect him to be a backup for long.

9. Maicer Izturis – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

While there’s perhaps nothing glaring to jump up for joy about with Izturis, he basically puts together the entire scrappy package – solid defense, speed, flexibility to play multiple positions (2B, 3B, SS) and a pretty solid bat, too – specifically, a .270 average and 10 RBI in 37 AB’s so far this season.

8. Frank Catalanotto – New York Mets

Call him the “kitchen sink”, because everything else is included.

He plays infield… he plays outfield.

He has adjusted well to both the American League and National League – and the guy can still hit, as since entering the league in 1997, Catalanotto has finished the season with an average above .290 seven different times.

7. Melvin Mora – Colorado Rockies

Mora started for the Orioles for years, with the ability to play multiple infield positions well.

Last offseason, it didn’t make sense for Baltimore to keep him, as he didn’t fit in with the youth movement the Orioles have been promoting.

Now a backup playing at Coors Field half the year, Mora has performed well thus far, batting .295 with 7 RBI in 44 AB’s.

6. Marcus Thames – New York Yankees

Over the last four seasons as a backup in Detroit, Thames belted 82 HR’s – an average of over 20 per season, which is pretty impressive considering he never reached 400 AB’s in any of the four campaigns.

Now, Thames is with the Yankees – a stacked lineup that should only help him more – and so far as a backup in New York, he’s batting .428 (28 AB’s).

5. Mike Lowell – Boston Red Sox

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Almost traded to Texas in the offseason, Lowell ended up staying in Boston due to injury concerns – and has since taken on more of a backup role.  Injuries or no injuries, at the age of 36, Lowell continues to hit (.317 average, 1 HR, 9RBI) and prove that trading for him years ago was one of the best moves the Red Sox have made in their recent history – if not ever.

4. Omar Vizquel – Chicago White Sox

Sure, he’s in his 40’s – and while he still plays great defense, maybe it’s not quite as electric as years back when he won gold glove after gold glove.

Vizquel’s bat has also been quiet thus far in 2010, but as a defensive replacement – plus adding in plenty of experience and leadership – he is one of the best backups in all of baseball this year.

3. Jason Varitek – Boston Red Sox

Considered the captain for years in Boston, it was a new role for Varitek this season, jumping in as the backup for Victor Martinez.

However, flashing a hot bat (.324 avg., 5 HR, 9 RBI in 34 AB’s) – plus with the Red Sox struggling – there has been some chatter about Varitek potentially earning a starting role back, while placing Victor Martinez at the DH spot.

Either way, he’s been one of the bright spots in an otherwise dismal start for Boston.

2. Jim Thome – Minnesota Twins

For years, Thome’s bat was one of the most feared in all of baseball.

Heading into the 2010, the aging Thome accepted a more backup role in Minnesota, but has flourished so far this season – hitting 5 HR and adding in 15 RBI in 57 AB’s.

If the Twins remain on the playoff course, Thome’s bat will prove to be a major plus – whether pinch-hitting during the later innings or adding some left-handed pop in the DH spot.

1. Ryan Garko – Texas Rangers

Before you trash this pick, let me explain.

Sure, Garko has struggled as a backup with the Rangers this season (.074 avg in 27 AB’s) – but look at him and the value he brings as a backup player.

Garko is a good clubhouse guy who plays great defense.  On top of that, while so many of the other players on this list cost millions, Garko is a bargain – never costing over a million for a season.

Finally, look at his postseason numbers, where he has batted .314 in 35 AB’s – and if put in the right situation, Garko can help a team greatly during a playoff run.

* Also posted to my Bleacher Report page

As the famous phrase goes, “Chicks dig the long ball.”

While that may be very true, what’s most often overlooked in the game of baseball is overall spectacular defense.

The most noteworthy defensive plays are often made by the athletic and talented shortstops of the game, which feature some of the best range in the field, combining their skillset to make diving plays, backhanded stops or the ever-so-famous jump and throw maneuver.

So who are the most spectacular and flashy of the shortstops in today’s game?  Certainly, there’s a varied opinion – but specifically, here’s a countdown of my top ten:

KP’s Top 10 Most Spectacular Defensive Shortstops

10. Alex Gonzalez – Toronto Blue Jays

For those that want to accuse Gonzalez of being overrated with his defense, I give you this little nugget: he was acquired by the Boston Red Sox not once, but twice for a pennant chase.  If you look at the guy’s career hitting statistics, you will know it’s not for his bat.

9. Adam Everett – Detroit Tigers

He’s not going to give you any of these acrobatic hops, jumps or flashy moves, but what Everett does give you is nothing but consistency with his glove.  Backhanded, diving or routine – if it’s within reach, Adam Everett is gobbling that grounder up.

8. Jack Wilson – Seattle Mariners

Two things keep this guy from being near or at the top of many lists under this category.  First, most of his playing career was with the Pirates, where he got limited exposure.  Second, he’s been an injury prone player throughout his career – but when he’s on the field, talk about some spectacular defensive playmaking.

7. Jose Reyes – New York Mets

From time to time, the speedy Reyes can get a little careless, trying to make an acrobatic play.  However, his speed allows him to get to balls that many other shortstops can’t – eventually leading to some highlight reel defensive plays.  His near top ten fielding percentage at shortstop in 2008 is further proof that Reyes does in fact have moments of brilliance.

6. Marco Scutaro – Boston Red Sox

Scutaro has been a steady glove for years in the AL East, most recently signing with Boston for this year.  You know what you get with Scutaro, and that’s a bat at the bottom of the lineup that can add streaky production, coupled with a plus glove that will certainly help a pitching staff keep runs off the board.

5. Cesar Izturis – Baltimore Orioles

Often overlooked due to his quiet bat, Izturis continues to earn starting jobs because of his glove.  The Orioles shortstop is a model of consistency, finishing fourth in the majors in fielding percentage at the position over the last two seasons.

4. Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies

Many gloss over him in favor of some of the flashier players like Reyes or Jeter – but on the contrary, Tulowitzki is quite the defender – finishing 1^st among major league shortstops in fielding percentage in 2007 and 2^nd last season.

3. Derek Jeter – New York Yankees

He isn’t just the captain… he’s fearless, too.

Even the biggest Yankees hater in all the land should appreciate Jeter’s hustle – most notably the time he dove into the stands face first, sacrificing his body to try and record an out.  That flash and fearlessness alone bumps him up this list significantly.

2. Omar Vizquel – Chicago White Sox

At the ripe old age of 43, some may not even realize that Vizquel is still active in the majors.  While it’s somewhat of a utility role now in Chicago, Vizquel still can flash the glove.  The 11-time gold glove winner – second only to Ozzie Smith – will go down as one of the best defensive shortstops in history, and still belongs on this list until he decides to retire.

1. Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies

It’s a tad extreme to refer to him as a modern day Ozzie, but Rollins has won the National League gold glove three straight years, all while peppering in a significant amount of flashy plays, coupled with being a fiery player, offensive weapon and a speedy leadoff man.

AP Photo | MATT SLOCUM (Also featured on home page)

With a 1-7 start to the 2010 Major League Baseball season, it’s likely that most critics would say it is “business as usual” for the Baltimore Orioles.

Not so fast.

2010 was stated to be the end of the rebuilding process for the Orioles, as frequently stated by head honcho Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley – and for good reason, considering there was a significant core of young talent, combined with a handful of talented veterans.

Expectations were starting to return to the Charm City – and while they were not dreams of World Series titles just yet, there was a certain buzz and renewed energy by the fanbase clad in orange and black.

That is, until the actual season started.

While only 8 games (of 162) are in the books, it’s safe to say that in the minds of many – the season is already taking a familiar downward spiral.

No better hint can be displayed than the record-low 9,129 fans that ‘littered’ Camden Yards on Monday April 12^th – and this is one reason why the O’s need to make a change.

Somebody has to take the fall – and that man needs to be Dave Trembley.

Who delivers the better meatball: The O's bullpen or Emeril?

Now, bear in mind – I understand that the team hasn’t exactly hit the cover off the ball in the opening week of games.  That, and the bullpen has been abysmal – serving up meatballs that only Emeril could present better.

I get that Mike Gonzalez has blown two games – and that maybe he was a little distracted thinking about his wife, who was about to give birth (and did recently – a baby girl).

I get that the team has flubbed multiple chances to blow open games with runners in scoring position.

I get that players have hit the ball hard – only to have them be caught by opposing defenders.

I also get that the Orioles have been right there in a number of games – losing three one-run contests and one last night in extra innings to Tampa Bay – a legit World Series contender.

I get it all – but the word that needs to be placed out there is simply this: accountability.

While Trembley himself can’t head to the mound or take a few swings in a live game – he can find a way to stop the bleeding.  This franchise has seen similar occurrences under the Trembley regime – and when the Orioles start to hit a losing streak – they really hit a losing streak.

We’re talking for a few weeks, here.

So don’t go and tell me that there isn’t something that they aren’t good at.

The red alarm is this: Often, these skids have happened come August and September – and that’s why this one in April raises a lot of eyebrows.

Someone needs to be accountable for this dismal April start in Baltimore.

A few more blown saves and a few double play balls – and maybe that plague of losing could start to infect some of the younger guys in the clubhouse.

Hell, maybe it already has – not that that any player would ever admit to such a thing.

Brian Matusz has been one of the bright spots in 2010

A team usually can’t compete without good starting pitching – and to the naked eye, it may appear that’s where the Orioles have fallen victim yet again – but that’s simply not the case.  Jeremy Guthrie has been much improved from his 2009 form, Kevin Millwood has been serviceable and Brian Matusz has shown moments of brilliance.

What’s left to show for it?  One measly victory – and one that almost didn’t come to fruition considering Mike Gonzalez almost blew that one, too.

So again, you ask… why Dave?

Perhaps I look at one clear-cut example – the 2009 Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies were a team heading into last season with a lot of hype and promise, only to hit a brick wall in the season’s opening two months.

Colorado decided it was time to light a fire – removing Clint Hurdle as the team’s skipper, after a dismal 18-28 start to the 2009 season.

Jim Tracy replaced Hurdle, with the season not even reaching the month of June.

The result: Colorado went on a tear, reaching the playoffs and vaulting Tracy to National League Manager of the Year honors.

So that’s my point here, friends.

Life isn’t fair – it never is.  Someone has to take the fall.

Players will feel bad… for not doing their jobs, for not getting that key hit, or key ground ball out in the latter innings.

Sometimes a team just needs a change.

And today, the city of Baltimore needs a change – something that could maybe – just maybe – put its proud baseball franchise back on the map.

Something that can take Orioles baseball off ‘repeat’ – and away from what only appears to be a gag-worthy mixture of Groundhog Day and the first half of the movie Major League.

Sorry, Dave – you seem like a good guy – a player’s manager and a friend.  In fact, I see quotes of that fact via players in the clubhouse – but the fact of the matter is, we all have plenty of good guys in our work lives, but that doesn’t mean we’re out having beers with them every night.

It’s time to pull the plug on the Dave Trembley regime in Baltimore – and bring in some new life that can maybe boost this team towards the .500 mark.

Because there’s too much talent in Baltimore, featuring guys like Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold, Brian Matusz, Brad Bergesen and Brian Roberts – just to name a few.

Now where’s that Emeril character – I am craving a good meatball.